DETROIT, MI – City Council President Charles Pugh won’t run for mayor, his office announced Friday.

“It is with great consideration that I announce today I will not seek election for Mayor of the City of Detroit,” Pugh said in a news release.

Pugh was one of many high-profile names rumored to run for Detroit’s top spot.
Former Corporation Counsel Krystal Crittendon kicked off her campaign for mayor Thursday night. State Reps. Lisa Howze and Fred Durhal, Jr. are also running. And Sheriff Benny Napolean and former Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan are also likely to run.

Mayor Dave Bing has not said whether or not he will run for re-election.
Pugh, who’s chief of staff is serving as Duggan’s campaign manager, put speculation about his intentions to rest Friday.

A former TV news personality, Pugh has also said he doesn’t intend to run for re-election as a council member.

“I traded in my career as a broadcaster for public service to help bring ethical behavior, integrity, and fiscal responsibility back to the Detroit City Council. I believe that my colleagues and I accomplished that,” Pugh said.

“We have not always had a cooperative partner in the administration, but we have remained diligent in making decisions with the best interest of the citizens in mind,”
Pugh said.

“I have decided to return to my career in broadcast journalism where I can continue to make an impact in the City of Detroit and surrounding communities. I appreciate the citizens’ faith in me and support and I will continue to work hard to put them first during the remainder of my term."